Beware of these popular WhatsApp scams

WhatsApp is popular for a reason – free messaging that works over Wi-Fi and can reach people all around the world definitely beats your typical texting plan. But unfortunately, the popularity of this app has attracted countless scammers. From investment scams to fake updates, WhatsApp users everywhere are targets for cyber criminals. Read on to learn about popular WhatsApp scams, and learn how to keep yourself safe from them.

How to avoid fake versions of WhatsApp

To ensure you install and use only the authentic version of WhatsApp, never download and install WhatsApp from a link sent to you. For any mobile platform device, only download from the approved App store (Google Play, Apple’s App Store, etc.). If you are unsure whether the version you are currently using on your phone is legitimate, remove the app and then download it from the approved App store.

Fake voicemail

Source: www.business2community.com

This scam is nothing more than a fake voicemail — all you have to do is click!

Those targeted by this scam receive a message with the subject line, “Incoming Voice Message”. Victims only need to click for hackers to have access to their personal information, and even potentially lock them out of their own phones!

WhatsApp Gold edition

The WhatsApp Gold edition is a scam that has been pushed through social media networks. It’s a fake premium version that allegedly has fancy emoticons and custom backgrounds.

But once you sign up for this fake upgrade, you’ll be charged up to 40 dollars per month. An updated version of this scam called “WhatsApp Elegant Gold” is also making the rounds. It leads users to a web page that asks for a phone number in order to update to a newer, “better” edition of WhatsApp.

WhatsApp’s Spy

Source: gizmostorm.com

There are actually a number of different applications that help people spy on others through WhatsApp. The sad reality is, if you Google “WhatsApp Spy”, you’ll get a slew of articles telling you how to spy on other people, instead of how to protect yourself against this clear invasion of privacy.

However, there’s a twist: the majority of these “spy apps” are actually scams that load malware onto the would-be-spy’s phone. So if you are tempted to use one of these apps yourself, be warned that you might get what you deserve!

$500 Starbucks gift card

Source: www.hongkongfp.com

There’s a scam out there that ask you to fill out survey for a $500 Starbucks gift card, alleging that it’s sponsored by Starbucks.

A similar scam exists for McDonald’s, IKEA, H&M, KFC, 7-Eleven, and Zara, as well as a number of other big companies. These scams come in a number of different languages as well, putting a large demographic at risk. This scam is just another way to steal your information, which is much more insidious than giving you false hope.

Investment fraud

Scammers have been promoting and recommending stocks to WhatsApp users. The message, which often recommends people to invest in Avra Inc., claims that the stock will double or triple in a few days. These scammers are likely trying to raise the value of the stock in what’s called a “pump and dump” — raising the value so they can pull out their investments at a peak price.

How to identify a WhatsApp scam

WhatsApp scams are prevalent, but that shouldn’t scare you away from using this useful and fun application. WhatsApp enables people from around the world to communicate with each other for free, and that’s powerful. Just consider the following information to prevent yourself from being a victim of a scam:

1. Be skeptical of any message from WhatsApp

One clear giveaway that you’re being targeted for a scam is when WhatsApp directly contacts you through the app for any reason. This isn’t something WhatsApp ever does, so if you see a convincing direct message from the app itself, know that it’s probably fake. As WhatsApp states on its website, “we do not use WhatsApp to contact you.”

2. Beware of messages soliciting personal information

In general, WhatsApp (and legitimate apps) do not randomly solicit personal information. If you are unsure if a request is legitimate or not, you can always go to the WhatsApp website and send an email to a customer service representative. If the messaging app you are using does not have contact details for a customer service representative, consult other users for a report on typical behavior.

3. You’re probably not a winner

Unless you directly entered a contest that you know isn’t fraudulent, it’s a scam. It’s a tempting scam to believe, but you didn’t win $500 for doing nothing. Not even filling out a survey. As the saying goes, “if it seems to good to be true, it probably is”.

4. Never share your MAC or IMEI address

If you have an Android, you have a IMEI number (international mobile equipment identity), and if you have an iPhone, you also have a MAC (media access control) address. Each WhatsApp account is linked directly to a phone through this special number, so it effectively acts as a password for your account. If a hacker has your phone number and MAC or IMEI, they can easily hack into your account.

Remember, scams can happen to the most careful among us when we have a lapse in judgement. Get anti-malware for your phone and research your messaging app’s mode of communication with its users. It doesn’t mean you can’t use the latest and greatest apps, it just means you need to be prepared for the worst case situation — after all, an ounce of protection is worth a pound of cure.

If you want to know more about previous WhatsApp scams and how you can protect yourself, see other WhatsApp blogs we’ve published.

Worthwhile article. I get the fake voicemail scam a couple times a month- & I don’t have whatsap.

Crystal Kaulbars

Thanks. I’m sharing this with my Facebook and Twitter communities as I know there are a lot of people who might get duped by the exciting offers.

Sandra Harison

Get Free Diagnosis & Technical support for any kind of issues related to your devices. Contact U.S Tech Support Phone Number 1-855-293-0942 Call Toll Free.

John Holovnia

I get them too! I’ve heard of the app, never had it though. The emails look VERY legit – made me wonder if I used to use it and forgot. The email says to click here to hear the message – Do not let your curiosity get you!

NELLY FI EDINBURGH

Dont be silly Kevin whatsapp isn’t the problem its fine and secure as any other messaging platform its people being duped into downloading fake malware filled versions, that’s the issue! They could just as easily be supplying fake BBM builds loaded with any number of stealth malware added.

Lenny56769

do you think this web site is only for you frankblank there may be few that do have the whatsap that send them . i just hate people who dont think out side there little box.

techienumber1

I used to get them just did this when I recieved 1 tell them even if you dont know how to hack that you have all the tech to track them down and have them fined for at least £1000.00 fine it works for me I havent had a single return from any of them

techienumber1

1 of the things with people trying to trick people into other things are supposed IT qualified people and they have never taken a qualification in their lives so I test em and when they get angry and start giving me abuse over the net I spike their numbers and send a transcript to their computer saying get qualified not angry

I was able to get evidence on my cheating husband through the service of [email protected] … I got detailed info about his secret dating, call logs, whatsapp and others and he hacked it without physical access to her phone…you can contact him too he also helped 2 others I know.

tbim

Hello, I got this email. Do I assume it is a fake (especially regarding the poor grammar and punctuation)?”

This message is that you must be informed your free trial subscription expired

we already sent you a message to make a payment,if you make the payment before ,don’t worry we didn’t receive the payment and your card are not debited,make sure to try again ?

there is an annual subscription fee of $ 0.89 USD. You must confirm your payment information

Please note that your subscription is your phone number registered

If your payment is not received

within 24 hours, your account will be deleted

Your invoice payment link

If you originally downloaded WhatsApp for $ 0.89 USD, to be paid as a favor for having to download the app, you will keep for a lifetime subscription, even if you switch to another device.